Nancy Joan Kuchta

Nancy Joan Kuchta (Wiant), known to all as Joan, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, at Seven Lakes Memory Care in Loveland, Colorado. A longtime resident of Sayre, Pennsylvania and devoted member of Epiphany Catholic Church, Joan was born on May 17, 1931, in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, to her parents Nancy and Ira Wiant. She was the beloved sister of Kathleen. Joan lived a full and beautiful life. She grew up in Vandergrift, just outside Pittsburgh, and graduated from the local high school before attending Penn State University. In 1953 she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music. While at Penn State, Joan was a member of the university’s first cheerleading squad to include women and also performed as a majorette with the Penn State Marching Band. She remained a devoted fan of the Nittany Lions throughout her life. While beginning her teaching career, Joan reconnected with her high school classmate and future husband, August “Gus” Kuchta. Family legend has it that Gus sent Joan an extra Christmas card while he was stationed in Korea during the war—though another version of the story claims Joan sent the extra card. Either way, that small and fortuitous gesture led to their marriage in 1956. Joan and Gus married while Gus was pursuing his PhD at the University of Maryland. During those early years they welcomed two sons, Rob and Greg. Joan skillfully balanced raising two young children, running a household, and substitute teaching to help support the family. After Gus completed his doctorate, the family moved to Wilmington, Delaware, and later to East Brunswick, New Jersey, where their third son, Tom, was born. In 1972 the family relocated to Sayre, Pennsylvania, where Joan would spend the next 48 years. Joan was deeply devoted to her family and believed strongly in the power of education—especially music. Her encouragement and guidance helped shape the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her first position after college was teaching music in State College, Pennsylvania. Later she became the music instructor at Epiphany School in Sayre, while also working for many years as a substitute teacher. Joan served as the church organist and choir director at Epiphany Catholic Church for more than forty years. She was also active in the Sayre Polyhymnia and other community groups, performing in plays and musicals. Music and the arts brought her many lifelong friendships. Joan may be best remembered for the private piano and recorder lessons she taught from her home. She often had more than one hundred students each year and organized multiple recitals annually, believing that performance was an essential part of learning music. Many of her students went on to win competitions or study music in college. One of her greatest joys was eventually teaching the children of her former students. She stayed in touch with many of them over the years and took great pride in watching them grow into musicians, and professionals in many fields. Golf and fitness were also lifelong passions. Weather and health permitting, Joan could often be found walking an entire eighteen holes on the golf course. In the winter months she attended exercise classes at the local club. Even into her nineties she remained committed to staying active. She often said she exercised so she could continue doing the things she loved—never wanting age to limit her. In 2020, due to declining health, Joan moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, to be closer to family while continuing to live independently. Joan is survived by her three sons and their spouses: Rob (Lucy), Greg (Ayla), and Tom (Sarah); seven grandchildren—Morgan, Clayton, Cameron, Shelby, Madison, Devon, and the late Xavier; two great-grandsons; and many dear friends, nieces, and nephews.